Musk calls Tesla fires in Rome ‘Terrorism’

Tesla’s Elon Musk has hit out at a new wave of protests in Europe as politicians call for an end to “hatred” for the EV brand.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has hit out at “terrorism” in Europe that saw more than a dozen of the brand’s electric cars torched in Rome.

Italian authorities are investigating a serious fire at one of the brand’s dealerships in the Italian capital, where 17 cars were set alight.

The Italian Corps of Firefighters worked to put out a fire at a Tesla dealership where 17 cars were destroyed or seriously damaged.

Investigators said they are examining “all avenues” in relation to the fire, which Musk has already attributed to “terrorism”.

Terrorism

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 31, 2025

The fire represents the most severe anti-Tesla protest in Europe, where vandalism of dealerships in Sweden and Germany also took place across the weekend.

Widespread anti-Tesla protests in the US have slowed since President Donald Trump promised to charge suspects with offences relating to domestic terrorism.

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The attack happened at Torrenova, on the outskirts of Rome.

The brand had been the subject of shootings, firebombings, vandalism and picketing in many incidents across the US.

Following this week’s suspected attack, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, offered support to Musk on X, saying there is “too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company”.

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Violent protests, insults, assaults, and arson. Too much unjustified hatred against the Tesla car company.
The season of hate and conflict must come to an end as soon as possible.
My solidarity goes out to @elonmusk and to all the workers who have been threatened and attacked. pic.twitter.com/zKAJvhtY31

— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) March 31, 2025

The official cause of the Tesla fire in Rome has not been determined.

Originally published as Musk calls Tesla fires in Rome ‘Terrorism’